When Colin Powell or other military leaders look at the Romney campaign and find that more than a third of the national security advisors come from a single conservative think tank, maybe they fear a disastrous replay of the past decade.

Powell's unusually strong support across the political spectrum, burned into the public imagination in serving Bill Clinton and two Bushes makes him one of the few people who's endorsement could actually influence voters.

For all the smears being hurled about "palling around with terrorists" and "white flag of retreat," nothing can counter that like a Republican former 4-star coming out and saying "This guy loves America as much as me."